§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families have received the increase in child benefit for the eldest child in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency; and if he will make a statement. [83922]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of the Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to reply to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 18 May 1999
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many families have received the increase in child benefit for the eldest child in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.Unfortunately the information to identify families, by region, who are receiving Child Benefit is not readily available. These figures could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.I would like to take this opportunity to explain the current rates of Child Benefit in force from April 1999. They are £14.40 for the eldest child and £9.60 for each subsequent child. The increase for the eldest child includes the extra £2.50 a week announced in the March 1998 budget, in addition to the April 1999 increase. This is an overall increase of £3.25 for a family with two children.I am sorry that I could not be of more help on this occasion but I am glad to have had the opportunity to comment.